LiDAR Calibration Senior Analyst

The LiDAR Calibration Senior Analyst plays a critical role in the production workflow by ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of airborne LiDAR datasets prior to downstream processing. This position combines technical expertise with leadership in workflow improvement, QA/QC, and team mentorship.

The Senior Analyst works both independently and as part of a collaborative team to produce finalized LiDAR deliverables that meet internal and client specifications. They are responsible for performing calibration and adjustment of LiDAR swaths, validating data accuracy, and driving process efficiencies across the production line. The ideal candidate demonstrates a deep understanding of LiDAR calibration, sensor geometry, and error sources, with the ability to communicate technical results clearly and proactively support production goals.

This position is onsite at the NV5 office in Portland, OR.

NV5 is a global technology solutions and consulting services company with a workforce of over 4,500 professionals in more than 100 offices worldwide.  NV5's continued growth has been spurred through strategic investments in firms with unique capabilities to help current and future customers solve the world's toughest problems.  The NV5 family brings together talent across a wide range of markets and fields, including Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, Architects, Photogrammetrists, GIS Professionals, Software Developers, IT, Project Management Professionals, and more.

At NV5 Geospatial, We are a collaboration of intelligent, innovative thinkers who care for each other, our communities, and the environment.  We value both heart and head, the diversity of our people, and their experiences because that is how we continue to grow as leaders in our industry and expand our individual and collective potential.

• Perform relative and absolute LiDAR calibration and boresight adjustments using tools such as TerraMatch, StripAlign, and related software.
•  Review and validate trajectories, flight line overlap, and control accuracy prior to production processing.
• Combine and align LiDAR swaths into spatially accurate, seamless datasets.
• Conduct rigorous QA/QC to ensure both absolute and relative accuracy standards are met.
• Demonstrate strong judgment in troubleshooting and resolving calibration or alignment issues.
• Maintain clear communication with acquisition, calibration, and processing teams regarding production status and data readiness.
• Document calibration parameters, accuracy assessments, and QA results in project tracking systems.
• Improve, document, and communicate workflow processes to enhance production throughput and efficiency.
• Support automation and workflow scripting (e.g., Python or VB) where applicable to improve processing consistency.
• Monitor key performance indicators (e.g., workflow velocity, throughput) and identify process improvements.
• Provide mentorship, training, and technical guidance to calibration and processing team members.
• Ensure adherence to data management standards and maintain organized file structures across multiple projects.
• Apply creative problem-solving to refine calibration methodologies and support evolving client needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Geography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, Engineering, or related field — or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in LiDAR calibration, QA/QC, or geospatial data production.
• Confident working knowledge of TerraSolid software and ESRI tools.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and solid organizational and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in a technical, production-oriented geospatial environment.
• Prior experience with BayesMap StripAlign, trajectory manipulation, or GNSS/IMU processing.
• Experience aligning terrestrial or mobile LiDAR datasets.
• Master's degree in relevant science, math, or engineering discipline.
• Knowledge of Python, CADD, and Visual Basic. Experience creating scripts or macros in GIS/LiDAR platforms.
• Familiarity with USGS LiDAR Base Specification or ASPRS accuracy standards.

Experience/Skills Preferred (in addition to requirements):

• Proven experience with LiDAR sensor or swath calibration using TerraSolid tools and/or BayesMap StripAlign.
• Strong understanding of error sources in airborne LiDAR datasets and methods for identifying orientation or trajectory issues.
• Competent in ESRI, CADD, and other vector-based software.
• Experience in airborne and/or mobile trajectory processing (GNSS/IMU).
• Solid understanding of datums, projections, and coordinate transformations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills across multiple software environments.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple calibration tasks in a production setting.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with a proactive, quality-driven mindset.
• Ability to train others effectively and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Creative aptitude for improving workflows and applying new technical solutions.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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